It is definitely not an easy topic to talk about regarding our own worries, concerns, or difficulties living with a mental health issue. People ask questions like ‘Does talking about problems really help?’ or ‘Does talking about problems make things worse?’. Many people think talking can not solve the problem or change the actual situation. However, the answer is ‘YES.’ When we start talking, our brain show changes. Expressing our feelings in words is different from only thinking inside the head.
The brain areas related to this change of emotions
Firstly, the part of the brain that thinks and feels sad or painful emotions occurs in a certain area of the brain. We call it the limbic system. It is involved in behavior to survive, emotional responses, and memory. That is why memory and emotions are closely affecting each other. So, for people who have depressed feelings, only sad memories come to mind. And painful memories make depressive emotions. It is a vicious circle.
On the other hand, reasonable and rational judgments are made in a completely different part of the brain. It is a frontal lobe, and we have to use it to start giving fresh insight into our emotions. Expressing our feelings in words is one of the main activities that activate the frontal lobe of our brain. Therefore, using this area helps us take a step back from the emotion and rationally recognize how much ache and pain we had.
Let’s try
Depressed or stressed people mostly rely on only the limbic system. People who want to break the vicious emotional circle need to do the activity related to using the frontal lobe. The frontal lobe helps us escape from the limbic system and support us to recognize and adequately judge our situation.
In short, if you talked about your worries or concerns to your family or friends, you have done a great job! Your brain starts to be aware of how hard you have been and already making a real change.
Another Phrens Blog Post Related to This Topic- What Is a Depression
References
Photo by Harli Marten, Fakurian Design on Unsplash
- Passer, M & Smith, R. (2015). Psychology: The science of mind and behaviour. (2nd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.
- Medical News Today. (2017). What does the frontal lobe do? More information here.